Man Utd star’s ‘magic’ inspires hope for Marcus Rashford ahead of Aston Villa debut | OneFootball

While preparing to make his much-anticipated debut at Villa Park, Marcus Rashford should be encouraged by the early exploits of his fellow Manchester United Antony.

The two players had an equally miserable first half of the season. The Brazilian lost his main ally in Carrington when Erik ten Hag was sacked in October, so his situation at the club went from bad to worse. The £86-million flop was always going to struggle to settle in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, especially with Amad Diallo proving to be the ideal profile to fill in the right side of the attacking trident.

But while Antony wasn’t playing as a starter, at least he was part of the team. The same cannot be said about Rashford who spent his last seven weeks at his boyhood club as an exile.

In the end, both players had little choice but to seal January exits. The Brazil international signed for Real Betis on a dry loan while the Englishman signed for Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Marcus Rashford will be looking to replicate thrilling Antony debut

On Sunday, football fans worldwide will be keen to witness Rashford’s debut with the Villains, wondering if the striker who’s been labelled as a complacent, lazy player, will be able to prove Amorim wrong.

But in the meantime, the 27-year-old can draw some inspiration from Antony who looked revitalized on his Real Betis debut. The former Ajax man pulled off some of the flicks and tricks the fans grew accustomed to during his time in Amsterdam.

Antony thus earned the praise of his new teammate Romain Perraud who was taken away by his ‘magical’ skills.

Hence, if the Brazilian winger can instantly put on a show after two and a half disappointing years at Old Trafford, there’s certainly hope for Rashford who remains one the best English players in his generation despite his recent skid.